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Pretty Good
After being overcharged at another vet, I found Cat Clinic of Seattle. Their prices were lower, they were willing to work with me on things--doing a few tests, not a whole battery of 'em, and were...
After being overcharged at another vet, I found Cat Clinic of Seattle. Their prices were lower, they were willing to work with me on things--doing a few tests, not a whole battery of 'em, and were really good with my cranky old cat.
They showed concern, even when my cat came in for a "psyc" visit (she screams like a rooster at sun up and sun down--no joke). While Cat Clinic isn't dirt cheap, generally, if you say up front "Look, here's my limitations..." they work with you.
Dr. Johnson is esp. good with freaked out cats, calling them "Baby...ohhh....little friend...every things going to be OK...." and just cooos at them. I appreciate that they send my prescriptions to be compounded (my cat HATES pills), and took the time to do a quick re-teach on giving fluids (I was freaked out--poking my cat with needles was NOT OK with me).
Be sure to bring your cat in a carrying case of some sort, as they're required in the waiting room.
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Whole Foods on Roosevelt has Great Cakes!
If you're willing to splurge, and want a REALLY good cake, I highly suggest Whole Foods' bakery on Roosevelt. They've done a great job for me on custom cakes before. They're esp. good if you love...
If you're willing to splurge, and want a REALLY good cake, I highly suggest Whole Foods' bakery on Roosevelt. They've done a great job for me on custom cakes before. They're esp. good if you love high quality chocolate cakes or cakes for those with special dietary needs. The staff are always helpful, and if you give them a few days or a week's notice, they're able to whip up something extraordinary.
Hope this helps!
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Seattle Sculpture Park
When I visited the Seattle Sculpture Park in Downtown Seattle, I noticed the wonderful public building/museum space on the grounds and immediately thought, "That's where I want to get...
When I visited the Seattle Sculpture Park in Downtown Seattle, I noticed the wonderful public building/museum space on the grounds and immediately thought, "That's where I want to get married!"
Sure, I lack both an engagement ring or a finance, but after 27 years, I've finally got an inkling of what kind of wedding I want (most girls figure this out by age 12).
The building is big enough to fit 50-ish people, and has an open floor plan with glass walls that look out on to the Seattle skyline and waterfront. With a peaked roof and vaulted ceilings, the place has an airy, modern, almost cathedral-like feel. Plus, it looks like one could set up a lovely wedding there and quickly convert it to a reception hall as well.
The building can be reserved through the Seattle Parks Department. You'd have to check with them on rental fees, however, SPD rental fees are usually very reasonable.
Bonus points for the space: Plenty of near-by street parking, hotels, restaurants, and activities for your guests. Load-unload area is available. You'd have spectacular (and unique) wedding photos. If your guest's kids get noisy, they can always go play in the park while still in view of their parents at the reception.
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Pro's Pros and Cons
I was an early convert to Pro Sports Club's Seattle location. Peaceful, spacious, rarely crowded. Good locker rooms with key-less lockers (you set the lock code). I loved the massage therapists...
I was an early convert to Pro Sports Club's Seattle location. Peaceful, spacious, rarely crowded. Good locker rooms with key-less lockers (you set the lock code). I loved the massage therapists there, esp. Jen---who is INCREDIBLE. You want a knot in your back gone? Go to her. Tip her well. She's worth what you're paying for.
Despite these experiences, I grew tired of the unresponsiveness of Pro's management to member suggestions, or even requests to pause membership while working out of town for several months (this is something that many other high-end clubs in Seattle do for members--common in a town where there's a lot of fisherman away at sea).
The treatment and stories I heard from staff also made me concerned about how I was spending my money at Pro. Every few months, the young front desk staff would change---so I wouldn't be recognized by anyone by name for another 2 months, or would get asked "did you check in yet?" when I'd been there for an hour. Pro's money is in personal training, and they do have some good personal trainers, but the good ones are dreaming of a day when they can be out of Pro, away from the pressure of converting to a conservative evangelical church, and finally getting health insurance (trainers tend to vent when you're on the treadmill). The nutritionist I saw there, when given my diet journal and all the information she requested days in advance, didn't reflect on any of it in my appointment. $75 to be handed copies of recipes and told to keep my diet under 1,700 calories a day-- a waste of money.
Unlike other high-end clubs in Seattle, Pro Seattle didn't have social gatherings for their members, so if you're looking to meet new people or do networking (I'm not talking about meat markets, rather, building friendships) you won't have opportunities.
There are other great gyms to consider in Seattle--- Rain, Olympic, WAC, Seattle Athletic Club. Find the one that fits you best and reflects your values.
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Avoid City Floral
I wanted to surprise my boyfriend with a bouquet of flowers at work, and placed an order with City Floral just before flying out of town for a week. When he sent me a text message with an image of...
I wanted to surprise my boyfriend with a bouquet of flowers at work, and placed an order with City Floral just before flying out of town for a week. When he sent me a text message with an image of the flowers, I was shocked---the bouquet was nothing but four gerber daisies and four sad tulips---and a LOT of greenery. I had asked for a $45 dollar arraignment, they said there was free delivery. When I mentioned that I wanted a full arrangement, the staffer said a $45 one had "more flowers". How could a bouquet have any less than what he got?
The flowers were small and faded, in a tacky vase. From their website's photos, it seemed that I could get a nice vase with a full display (12+ of blooms for $45). Not so. When I called about this problem, and stated how embarrassing it was to have just spent $50 on a less-than-OK bouquet, the staffer offered to resend flowers. No, the moment had passed, I wanted a partial refund. She said she'd get back to me, but never did.
I called a week later, asking to talk to the manager, and she said that she was unaware of the problem. I asked for a partial refund, and she responded that she'd refund $5. When I stated that on their website it guarantees a full refund if contacted within 10 days of the sale. She said that they only do that if the flowers are still in a resaleable condition. (Flowers, resaleable after 10 days??) She refused to refund me the whole amount. I restated City Floral's guarantee, and she said, "What do I have to refund you to make sure you don't call back?" I said out of exasperation, half of the purchase price.
So, I'm supposed to get $20 back. -She was so rude, so unresponsive, and she didn't honor their store guarantee. I will never order them again--their merchandise is not delivered in the condition as promised, they are unresponsive and rude when addressing customer complaints, and do not honor their guarantees to customers.
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DiVino
Category:
Food & Dining
5310 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle, Washington
(206) 297-0143
Great nibbles and ambiance, menu and consistency needs work.
Great nibbles and ambiance, menu and consistency needs work.
My boyfriend and I used the 20% off coupon from Judy's Boook at DiVino the other night.
While DiVino was out of a couple things-- a type of wine and watercress-- the things we could order were...
My boyfriend and I used the 20% off coupon from Judy's Boook at DiVino the other night.
While DiVino was out of a couple things-- a type of wine and watercress-- the things we could order were very good. We enjoyed the wine we ordered, and the nicely shaped glasses they were served in. --The glasses easily allow the drinker to create a "vortex" in their wine by spinning it, without spilling the wine out.
To start, we ordered a cheese plate with three interesting and tasty cheeses on it, a bowl of bread, and olive oil with balsamic for dipping. I ordered the arugala salad, which came nicely dressed with shaved cheese. The figs that were supposed to be on the salad were missing---apparently, out of season, but no discount was given on the salad. My boyfriend ordered the watercress salad, and was given the arugala instead. He sent it back and got the bread salad instead---be warned, there's a lot of toasted bread in it, so if you're looking for something "fresh" this salad isn't it. Despite that, he enjoyed the salad.
We ordered a riesling and cannoli for dessert---both of which were very good. The cannoli was crisp with a smooth, barely sweet filling. Our total, after the 20% discount was $48. A little more than we were hoping to spend for such a light meal, but we *did* have a good time. Our waiter was friendly and attentive, and seemed to be compensating for the management and kitchen's lack of planning (missing food and drink items).
We'd go back again for a nice but casual night, but probably not for a night where we're trying to impress clients.
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Kasala Outlet
Category:
Home & Garden
1946 Occidental Ave. S.
Seattle, Washington
(206) 340-4112
Kasala Outlet: Almost perfect in every way.
Kasala Outlet: Almost perfect in every way.
So, the Kasala Outlet moved to just behind the Sodo Starbucks and Krispy Kreme (really, drive between the two buildings, take a right down the alley, and on your left is a tan building with the...
So, the Kasala Outlet moved to just behind the Sodo Starbucks and Krispy Kreme (really, drive between the two buildings, take a right down the alley, and on your left is a tan building with the Kasala logo on it).
I was skeptical when I came in...maybe I wouldn't find anything for someone like me. And by me, I mean someone looking to furnish my apartment with functional modern pieces that clock in under $50 each. And maybe something to "splurge" on in the, uh, $200 range. By range I mean under $200.
Lucky me, I was in the right place. Which is not to say that the Outlet is populated by tons of fab-u pieces under $50. It just means, I was in the right place at the right time. I picked up a cool, very comfortable, and otherwise VERY expensive chair of great construction. Except that the swivel base was a little jiggly. I bought it for $50. If I told you the retail, you'd say, "NOOOOO! You got THAT chair for $50??!!?!!?! NOOOOO!"
Yes. I got it for $50.
Next: Two silver barstools that normally retail in the hundreds of dollars. Minor cracks. Fully functional. $49 each. Next, lighting. Gorgeous 3-lantern lighting $199. One modern red lighting piece: $35, a silver modern table lamp: $14.
Other items like really gorgeous couches were a steal at 1/2 price, sure, they're $1,299 but they're the best couch you're gonna find for $1,299. Other fun items include reasonably priced ottomans that double as side tables (the top flips open to reveal storage and a hard table-top) for $99.
Also, they deliver for $75, but you may have to schedule WAY out.
Worth noting, I went back a couple times over a week to buy/pick up stuff and their staff remembered my name, was very nice, and very helpful. Dorian, on staff, is great and a lot of fun.
When I want furniture again, they're the first place I'll go. My apartment looks incredible.
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